Idaho › Adams County › Payette National Forest

Big Flat

Open

Closed indefinitely due to the 2024 Lava Fire. Campground infrastructure and surrounding vegetation were completely burned. Expected to remain closed through 2026.

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Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.

Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…

Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02

This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.

Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).

Northern and Intermountain Regions Salmon Wild and Scenic River: Occupancy and Use

This order enacts visitor use restrictions for activities within the 80-mile-long wild segment of the Salmon Wild & Scenic River corridor, including a one-quarter mile buffer from the river, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).

Granite Mountain Over Snow Vehicle Closure

The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during commercial cat skiing and grooming operations.

Chamberlain Airstrip Campground Restriction

The purpose of this Order is to protect resources, and the quality and wilderness character of the area as well as to avoid user conflicts between agency stock and private stock users in the area.

Big Flat Campground Area Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety prior to and during reconstruction of Big Flat Campground, which was severely damaged during the 2024 Lava Fire. The purpose of this order is to protect the public from hazards associated with post fire events, such as flooding and falling…

Wilderness Camping and Grazing Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect fragile, high elevation, water-based natural resources within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness from stock and user impacts.

Big Creek Area Boating Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect Chinook Salmon and steelhead.

South Fork Salmon River East Trail Prohibitions

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety due to unsafe creek crossings on the Described Trail.

Lost Valley Closure Area

The purpose of this order is to protect a federally listed, threatened species and its occupied habitat.

Calf Pen Area Closure

The area adjacent to NFS Road #50073 has been identified as a sensitive area for a federally listed, threatened species.

Commercial Hauling

The purpose of this order is protect public safety and National Forest resources.

Bridge Load Limits

The purpose of this order is to protect public safety.

South Fork Salmon Road Weight Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent potential resource damage during spring thaw conditions.

Over-Snow Vehicle Closure

The purpose of this order is to protect public safety and natural resources.

Public Safety- Occupancy and Use

This order is in place for public health and safety.

Payette Occupancy and Use- 14 Day Stay Limit

The purpose of this order is to address competition for campsites and to protect public safety and natural resources.

Frank Church Wilderness Occupancy and Use

The purpose of this order is to implement visitor use requirements for activities within the restricted area and on the restricted trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).

Brundage Mountain Resort Snowcat Route Closure

The closure of the snowcat routes to over-snow vehicles provides for the safety of persons recreating or using the area.

Gordon Titus Upper Elevation Parking Lot Winter Restrictions

To provide for public health and safety related to noise and to reduce user conflicts at high usewinter recreation areas.

South Fork Salmon River and Big Creek Float

The purpose of the order is to implement permit requirements for float boating on the South Fork of the Salmon River and Big Creek as required by the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan.

About

Big Flat Campground is a small, primitive campground located on the Little Weiser River within Payette National Forest. The 12-site campground offers a peaceful setting for warmwater fishing, particularly bass. Access requires a 16-mile drive on a winding, narrow gravel road (Forest Road 206) from Highway 95, approximately 26 miles south of Council, Idaho. The campground is currently closed indefinitely due to the 2024 Lava Fire, which completely burned the campground infrastructure and surrounding vegetation. The closure is expected to extend through 2026. When operational, the campground provides potable water via hand pump and ADA-accessible vault toilets. No hookups are available, and campers must pack out all trash. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with fees of $10 per night for single sites and $15 for double sites.

Directions

26 miles south of Council, Idaho. From Highway 95, turn east on Forest Road 206 and travel approximately 16 miles to the campground entrance. The road is a long, winding gravel road that is narrow in spots.

Nearby Campgrounds

Third Fork Cabin 9.1mi French Creek 7.7mi Cabin Creek 11mi CARTWRIGHT RIDGE CAMPGROUND 12mi Antelope 12mi Sagehen Creek 12mi Sage Hen Creek Campground 12mi Eastside 12mi HOLLYWOOD POINT CAMPGROUND 13mi

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Location

44.501172, -116.259608

Indian Valley, ID 83632

Amenities

Water	Yes
Fires Allowed	—
Toilets	Yes
Dump Station	No
Wifi	No
Pets Allowed	—
Showers	No
Electric Hookups	—
Water Hookups	—
Sewer Hookups	—
Camp Store	No
Price	$10

Vehicle

Max RV Length	—
Max Trailer Length	—
Big Rig Friendly	No
Pull Through Sites	No

Contact

Phone

+1 (208) 253-0100

Cell Service

AT&T	None
Verizon	Yes
T-Mobile	None

Useful Links

View on Recreation.gov
USFS - Big Flat Campground

Availability

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